Ajeenkya DY Patil University and Filmfare present its first ever Filmfare Awards for excellence in Marathi cinema. Established in 1953, Filmfare Awards is the most iconic awards in the country.

One could argue that Marathi cinema isthe oldest industry in India. The first films made by the legendary filmmakers like Dadasaheb Phalke, Dadsaheb Torne and HS Bhatavdekar were indigenous Marathi productions, even though they were silent feature films. The pioneers of Marathi film industry are as old as the history of cinematography in India. Works of icons like V Shantaram, Bhalji Pendharkar, Acharya Atre, Datta Dharmadhikari, Dada Kondke, Ashok Saraf, Lakshmikant Berde, Mahesh Kothare, Ramesh Dev and so many more bear testimony to the legacy of Marathi films. Today this mantle is carried forward by personalities like Sachin Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Manjrekar and young guns like Riteish Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade and Swapnil Joshi.  

Recent years have witnessed a significant spike in the popularity and reception of Marathi movies. The infusion of young talent, experimental creativity and the growth of multiple genres have helped Marathi cinema increase its reach and impact. The Marathi industry no longer functions in the shadows of its big brother, the Hindi Film Industry. Today, Marathi films enjoy a lion’s share of the film market and audience strength. They quality of cinema on offer is second to none.

The first edition of the awards was launched amidst much fanfare by Marathi cinema’s superstar and producer, Mr. Riteish Deshmukh along with Mr. Jitesh Pillaai, Editor of Filmfare Magazine and Dr.Ajeenkya DY Patil President of Ajeenkya D Y Patil University. The event was held at La Ruche in Bandra, Mumbai. 

Commenting on the first Ajeenkya DY Patil University Filmfare Awards 2014, Mr Jitesh Pillaai said, "Marathi films have always held a fascination for me. I have been a fan of films like V Shantaram's Pinjara, Jabbar Patel's Umbartha or Paresh Mokashi's Harish chandrachi Factory. Marathi cinema is rooted in the Marathi ethos and offers a bouquet of unique stories. Filmfare has a rich tradition of honouring excellence in cinema and it gives me great joy to announce that from this year onwards, we have a new property that will celebrate the best efforts of Marathi film actors and filmmakers"

Talking about their decision to partner with the Filmfare Awards Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil said: “We are delighted to have extended our sponsorship to Filmfare Awards (Marathi). This title sponsorship is a result of ADYPU’s overall commitment to excellence, creativity and talent. We are sure that these awards will become the annual cornerstone of this commitment.”

The star studded glamourous night unleashes its glory on the 20th of November 2015 in Mumbai.